AT&T has announced the shutdown of their second generation wireless network, a transition dubbed the “2G Sunset”, to grant more wireless spectrum space to the 3G/4G network. By the end of 2016, all of AT&T’s 2G cellular network will be discontinued, cutting communication pathways for security systems with 2G GSM cell units. This shutdown will effect the wireless connectivity of 2G GSM-based security systems throughout the USA, removing the ability for those systems to be monitored.

What does this mean for Cunningham Security customers?

Without an upgrade, security systems with 2G GSM-based cell communication will lose their ability to transmit alarm signals and other notifications. We aim to ensure that all Cunningham Security customers have received an updated cell communicator before then. In the coming months, we will be reaching out to everyone with a 2G GSM to schedule the upgrade.

Why is AT&T discontinuing 2G network services?

As you are likely aware, the cellular communication industry is a constantly evolving field which raises the bar for wireless connectivity and features at a sometimes alarming rate. As a result, technologies such as 2G become obsolete over time because the speed of the technology is not up to par with the increasing demands on wireless communications.

The problem for AT&T is that’s there’s limited radio frequency space on the wireless spectrum. For example, when listening to a radio station, say 98.3, you’re listening to a station broadcasting at a radio frequency of 98.3 megahertz. When you’re driving along and suddenly the clarity of your music gets dicey with sounds from another station, you’re hearing two broadcasts competing for the same radio frequency. AT&T is similarly restricted by a limited supply of frequencies on the cellular spectrum. You can read more about the wireless spectrum here.

In the interest of offering the majority of their customers better service, AT&T is ‘harvesting’ the 2G spectrum to allow more frequency space for 3G/4G. The same situation occurred back in 2008, when service for the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), North America’s first standardized cellular network, or 1G, was also harvested to make way for the more efficient CDMA2000 and GSM wireless technologies. AT&T’s 2G network is based on that same GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications, technology framework. Just as AMPS was discontinued to make way for 2G networks, 2G is being harvested to open the airwaves for the 3G/4G network. You can read more about why AT&T made this decision here.

When exactly will 2G service become unavailable?

The official sunset date set by AT&T is January 1st, 2017. Throughout this year, however, AT&T will be making various changes necessary for the transition. These changes are at the sole discretion of AT&T, and may result in service disruption without notice for those currently using the network. For this reason, we urge everyone with a 2G GSM to work with us on upgrading their system as soon as possible.

Why hasn’t the 2G sunset been in the news?

Many people regularly upgrade their cell phones to keep up with developing features, and when you traded in that old flip-phone for that new iPhone, you were also upgrading to the 3G/4G network. Thus, for most consumers the 2G sunset is an invisible, if not positive, change for their cell phone usage. Unfortunately, for security systems and other machine-to-machine technologies which haven’t required increased speed to improve such as GPS tracking devices, medical monitoring systems, and various other machine-to-machine business solutions, select industries are being required to make major upgrades to their hardware infrastructure.

Moving Forward

Cunningham Security Systems is striving to ensure that no one experiences a lapse in service during this transitional period. If you’re aware that your security system communicates with a 2G GSM and would like to schedule your upgrade, please click the button at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions or concerns about the 2G sunset, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.

Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.

If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

Facts

A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine calls per hour.

Home Heating Equipment

Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in. When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation. Never use your oven to heat your home.